On a bright autumn morning, four members of claygate lodge attended the Samson Centre, located on the banks of the River Wey in Guildford, in order to make a presentation to assist with the work they do with people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
We were warmly welcomed by the centre manager, Jackie Payne and Sara McGowan the deputy lead physio, who showed us around the centre and explained how they support their patients both by physical exercise, using specially adapted machines, together with the use of Baric oxygen therapy.
With approximately 150 people currently using their facilities, they are often at full capacity. Looking towards the future, it is apparent that demand will continue to grow by 10 to 15% annually and that they need to expand their facilities to cope with current and anticipated demand.
Running the centre costs in excess of £225k per annum which has to be raised entirely through public donations as there is no support currently available from either the NHS or other MS charities.
We were therefore delighted to be able to present a cheque for £910 which was handed to Jackie by the lodge’s charity steward, Bill Slattery.
Lionel Frewin
(Lodge information officer)